Фото: Офис Тихановской
On January 26, adviser to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya Denis Kuchynski discussed with representatives of the Vilnius City Council and City Hall the future of the Belarusian Gymnasium in Vilnius and the Belarusian House.
The meeting was attended by member of the Culture and Tourism Committee Raminta Keršytė, Chair of the Education Committee Vytautas Vaitiekūnas, Chair of the Economic and Financial Committee of the Vilnius City Council Vygintas Gasparavičius, and the Vilnius mayor’s adviser on international affairs Vykintas Vaitkevičius.
The main topic of the discussion was the preservation of the Francysk Skaryna Belarusian Gymnasium amid the Council’s consideration of changes to school admission procedures. The new rules could restrict access for children of foreigners with temporary and permanent residence permits to schools with a non-Lithuanian language of instruction, Tsikhanouskaya’s Office reported.
Kuchynski handed over a letter from parents of Belarusian children, signed by more than 200 people, including members of the intelligentsia, public figures, and politicians, as well as a letter from Tsikhanouskaya calling for the preservation and development of the Belarusian educational and cultural presence in Vilnius. Tsikhanouskaya’s adviser emphasized that the issue concerned the preservation of the Belarusian language, culture, and identity.
The Lithuanian side assured that it understands the importance of preserving the Belarusian language and culture, especially in the context of confronting the “Russian world,” and considers it important to integrate Belarusians into Lithuanian society, including through education.
The parties agreed to seek a solution that would allow the gymnasium to continue operating, ensure the admission of new students, and support the Belarusian language and culture in Lithuania.
The issue of preserving the Belarusian House as a center of cultural, educational, and civic life for Belarusians in Lithuania was also discussed. Kuchynski spoke about the initiatives of the Belarusian House and asked that support from the city continue.
“We asked for continued support for this activity as an important part of the Belarusian-Lithuanian partnership. With the help of the Association of Belarusian Parents in Lithuania, we provided the necessary information to representatives of the local authorities. Many thanks to the parents for their principled and responsible position — it is precisely this that is of key importance today.
The Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya continues its systematic work to protect the rights of Belarusians in Lithuania and supports initiatives of the parent community, civic organizations, and partners. We delivered our messages — and they were heard,” Kuchynski said.